By Patrick Avenell
SYDNEY: HP have every right to go into this year’s ERA Awards feeling confident – they won in both categories they were nominated for last year – but this time the competition is fierce as Canon and Toshiba look to regain their crowns.
At the 2008 ERAs, HP was something of a bolter, emerging from the shadows of some more fancied rivals to win both Best Computers and Best Home Office. These victories came at the expense of defending champions Toshiba (for Computers) and Canon (Home Office). Competition is always fierce between these companies – for unit and value – and winning a coveted ERA brings with bragging rights for the year.
In Best Home Office, HP faces stiff competition from a rejuvenated Canon, with Acer, Brother and Samsung also in the race. Samsung are a new player for this award, and whilst they might be one of the favourites in other categories this year – think Audio and Home Theatre – it’s the underdog in this field.
On e of the most exciting races of the evening will be run in Best Computers, with some of the biggest names in world IT vying to claim the gong. Toshiba, frustrated by HP’s success last year, will no doubt be eager to back up to the podium, while the attention-loving Apple will also be hoping to taste sweet ERA success. Acer and Compaq round off the five nominees, being that there are no upstarts in this field. HP and Toshiba can claim favourites status due to past success, but the award could go to any of these brands.
Previous Winners:
2007: Toshiba (Best Computers), Canon (Best Home Office)
2008: HP (Best Computers and Best Home Office)
This Year’s Nominees:
Best Computers: Acer, Apple, Compaq, HP, Toshiba
Best Home Office: Acer, Brother, Canon, HP, Samsung